Plain City Council took care of business surrounding a number of committees Monday, including establishing one new committee and appointing residents to others.
Council unanimously voted during its most recent meeting to establish the Economic Development Committee.
Since council expanded its economic development efforts through the hiring of Development Manager Jason Stanford, he has shared a desire to create the committee in order to act as a liaison between the business community and village officials.
“The primary function of the EDC (Economic Development Committee) is to provide input and guidance on projects and issues that impact the village’s business development, real estate, housing, connectivity and labor force,” according to the description approved by council.
The committee will have one council representative and four advisory members, each of whom will serve three-year terms.
Committee members are generally recommended by the village mayor, whose appointment is voted on by council. Residents who are interested in serving on any of council’s standing committees must submit an interest form, accessible on www.plain-city.com.
Duties of those who serve on the Economic Development Committee include understanding the needs and problems of residents, employees, businesses and educational institutions and developing strategies to address them; assisting with plans to promote the retention, expansion and attraction of businesses; and promoting Plain City as a pro-business location for investment and economic opportunity.
Council also voted unanimously to appoint two members to the Mid-Ohio Water and Sewer District.
In October, Plain City Council and the Madison County Commissioners voted to file a petition to establish the Mid-Ohio Water and Sewer District, which will regionalize services.
The Board will be the legal authority for the district, which will function as an independent political subdivision of the state of Ohio.
Carrie McLaughlin is currently the Vice President of Information Technology for Steiner + Associates, a real estate developer in Columbus, according to her resume.
She previously served as the chairperson of Plain City’s Charter Commission.
Tyler Harriman wrote in his application that he is the Chief Pilot for The Superior Group.
He also serves on the village’s Planning and Zoning Committee.
Council member Michael Terry said he knows both McLaughlin and Harriman and feels both are “great candidates.”
Council member Frank Reed said he appreciates that Mayor Jody Carney is confident enough in their applications to bring them before council, but feels he needs to take extra steps to feel sure of their appointments as well.
While he said he was in favor of approving their appointments Monday night, he asked that council set up a time for an executive session in which they can “interview” McLaughlin and Harriman to ensure they understand the responsibilities of board members.
Terry said he feels staff members will provide guidelines for board members but sees no issue with council members meeting with them at some point.
Council members also voted 6-0 to appoint Shane Hoffman to the Communication and Marketing Advisory Committee.
Council President James Sintz, who helped establish the committee last year, asked why a motion to appoint Hoffman was on the agenda if he already serves on the committee.
Village Administrator Haley Lupton clarified that members were appointed to staggered terms when the committee was established, so Hoffman’s term needed to be renewed.
Hoffman is an IT Manager at the Plain City Public Library.
As the village expands its committees, Carney said she feels it would be helpful for staff members to develop a “flow chart” that illustrates the responsibilities of each, as well as a guide as to the decision making power of each committee and how recommendations are passed to council.
Terry noted that committees typically act in an advisory capacity, with council making final decisions.